‘Arts & Books’ Archives
Sharpie Art
The Sharpie is not normally counted among art supplies or preferred tools for creating a masterpiece. But to Charlie Kratzer they'll do just fine. Charlie covered the walls of his basement--floor to ceiling--with murals he drew with $10 worth of Sharpies. You'll find Sherlock Holmes, Winston Churchill, Shakespeare and even the TV squirrel Rocky [...]
Patrick Dougherty
Thank you to Lynn Flickinger and Cathy Wellner for this awesome suggestion. Patrick Dougherty is a nest sculptor. He makes nests. Huge ones out of willow and other bendy sticks. And houses. And structures of sorts. He also makes magic. My mother and sister discovered his work at an installation in Sun Valley, Idaho. Here's [...]
Cigar Box Guitars
At the Recycled Arts Festival I came across these guitars made from old cigar boxes. Some topped with old license plates. Besides being really awesome and totally repurposed, these musical instruments actually sound great. You can find them from Alan Matta. No website, but send him an email at hammeredfrets (at) gmail.com (sorry for the [...]
The Bird and The Bee
Okay, these guys are seriously good. All I know is I was in a coffeeshop and all of a sudden I found myself singing along - loudly and tapping my foot with feeling. "The Bird and the Bee? We're all obsessed with this album," was the response when I asked the guy behind the counter what we were listening to. The album is a tribute to [...]
Underwater Sculpture Park
The world's first underwater sculpture park is in the waters surrounding Cancun, Isla Mujeres and Punta Nizuc. Created by Jason de Caires Taylor, the sculptures create an artificial reef--so not only are they visually stunning to us, they also offer additional marine life habitats. When the park is complete, there will be over 400 permanent [...]
Emma and the Aristocrats
There are great artists in nooks and crannies all over the world. In towns and villages everywhere live talented painters and gifted singers making their corner of the world a brighter place. Emma Morton and her Aristocrats are just such artists. Based in the small town of Barga, Italy, this Jazz/Swing band is belting out smooth sounds [...]
Recycled Arts Festival
If your mantra is Reduce, Reuse, Recycle; you've got to find time to check out the Recycled Arts Festival at Esther Short Park this weekend in Vancouver. Over 70 artists specializing in everything from jewelry to clothing to metal arts and more will bring their Green goods. The Recycled Arts Festival is sponsored by the Clark County [...]
Powell’s Books
If you've been to Portland, chances are you've been to Powell's Books. Powell's is the definitive book store. One square city block, Powells is several floors and a myriad of rooms of books. New books, used books, audio books, you name it. Looking for that out-of-print favorite? Interested in a rare find? Don't want to pay too much [...]
Windows Into Art
What do you do with storefronts that are sitting empty? Why not fill them with art? Which is just what Windows Into Art in Vancouver, Washington is doing this month. 19 artists. 18 storefront windows. Fabulous. Read the Vancouver Voice article and learn more.
Hailey Coffee Co.
I love random art. Whether it’s street art or kid’s refrigerator art or the art you find on a beach. I like it all. I also like coffee. The Hailey Coffee Co, in Hailey Idaho combines the two. Not only can you get a fantastic cup of joe, you can entertain yourself while you wait, looking at the artwork and poetry carved into the [...]
